Engineering Research: Perspectives on Recent Advances Vol. 10

Development of a Microcontroller-based Driver Alcohol Detection System (MDADS) for Road Safety

2025-09-19T08:26:35+00:00

Background: Globally, vehicular accidents on most highways have caused a lot of losses. Alcohol consumption is considered to be an important risk factor for road traffic injuries worldwide. Many sustained injuries that marred them and left families helpless, sub-Saharan and Nigerian highways are not exempted. Drunk-driving increases the tendency, severity and causality of crashes. Effects of auto crash damage to lives and properties necessitated the development of the Microcontroller-based Driver Alcohol Detection System (MDADS).

Aim of the Study: The aim of the study is to design and construct MDADS to address and prevent the rising incidence of alcohol-related traffic accidents.

Methodology: The study was conducted for 7 months in the Department of Computer Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji (FEDPOLEL), Nigeria. It was conducted between October 2020 and July 2021. The system employed ATMega328p microcontroller (CU) which coordinated the operations of 7 units that made the MDADS. The units are: Sensor Unit (SU), Switch (S), Power Unit (PU); LCD Indicating Unit (LIU), Alarm Unit (AU), DC motor (Ignition) Unit (IU) and Liquid Crystal Display Unit (LCDU). MDADS was designed to operate at a 9-volt. The microcontroller was programmed to receive a signal from the MQ-3 sensor. Two LEDs were used for the design (Red and Green). The alarm unit features a buzzer that alerts when alcohol is present.

Once the MDADS is ON, it assesses the presence of alcohol in the endogenous alcohol molecules from the driver with the help of the SU. The SU sends a signal to CU to control and sends a signal to trigger the IU, AU and the LCDU of the MDADS, if the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) exceeds the stipulated threshold of 0.29ml/l. 60s tolerance was given to the driver to switch OFF the ignition. If the driver refuses to comply by switching OFF the ignition, the CU sends a “SWITCH OFF” signal to the IU, the LCDU displays “Drunk”, and the buzzer continuously sounds an alarm. The designed system was tested, and parameters for evaluation were taken. The parameters, among others, include True Acceptance Rate (TAR), False Acceptance Rate (FAR), Unable to Accept Rate (UAR) and Detection Accuracy (DA).

Results: TAR were 0.81, 0.79, and 0.77 for man, alcoholic drinks and herbal mixture, respectively. FAR were 0.03, 0.00, and 0.00 for man, alcoholic drinks and herbal mixture, respectively. For human beings, Precision (P) and Recall concept (R) were 0.04 and 0.15, respectively, while for P and R for others were negligible.

Conclusion: MDADS was successfully designed and constructed for improved highway safety. The results reveal that the system can be profitably employed for improved safety on the highways through precise warning before “switching off” of the car engine. A further design should be done to differentiate vividly between drunk drivers and the presence of other alcoholic substances, such as drugs that contain some alcoholic content, petrol, methylated spirit and alcoholic drinks. Moreover, automobile designers and manufacturing companies can leverage IoT to incorporate speed limits and systematic ignition switching technology as production is being made for next-generation car drivers.

Transforming Healthcare with the Internet of Things: A Comprehensive Review of Applications and Innovations

2025-09-19T08:31:16+00:00

The rapid evolution of smart technologies and communication protocols has ushered in a transformative era for the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly within the healthcare sector. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the key applications, enabling technologies, and emerging trends in IoT-driven healthcare systems. It outlines a standard model for integrating IoT into medical infrastructures, focusing on sensor-based monitoring, data acquisition, and predictive analytics using machine learning. The discussion explores the impact of IoT on clinical workflows, remote health tracking, chronic disease management, and patient engagement. Special emphasis is placed on network architectures, data transmission standards, and the role of Health Information Technology (HIT) in enhancing interoperability and system efficiency. By synthesising current literature and incorporating recent advancements, this chapter highlights both the opportunities and challenges in building scalable, secure, and intelligent healthcare ecosystems. It also presents new figures and use cases that demonstrate real-world deployments of IoT in medical settings, supporting the argument for broader adoption of IoT-enabled healthcare solutions.

The Fast-evolving Landscape of Deep Learning: What’s New and What’s Next

2025-09-19T08:34:14+00:00

Deep learning is rapidly evolving with transformative breakthroughs in foundation models (GPT-4, Gemini), generative AI (diffusion models, video synthesis), and self-supervised learning, reducing reliance on labelled data. Key advances in efficient AI (edge computing, model compression) and reinforcement learning (robotics, autonomous systems) are expanding practical applications. Emerging frontiers like neurosymbolic AI and AGI research highlight both progress and unresolved challenges. This chapter examines these cutting-edge developments, offering insights into deep learning’s current state and future trajectory.

Exploring Management Possibilities for Increasing Electric Steel Quality

2025-09-19T09:01:49+00:00

The steel industry is currently in a process of rapid technological development. The study presents the technological advances and modernisations carried out at the national and/or world level in the field of increasing the electric steel quality. In this context, conventional complex steel processing methods are analysed outside the electric arc furnace, in order to increase the electric steel quality. Special non-conventional procedures for the production of quality steels are also presented. The progress achieved in the field of steel production, mainly aimed at increasing productivity and quality, had as a basic premise the "secondary metallurgy" or the treatment of the metal outside the primary production aggregate (furnace or converter). This concept transforms the furnace or converter into a fast-melting unit, with advanced refining processes performed in ladles, hence the term "pot metallurgy. The study introduces a revolutionary concept for steel production in the electric arc furnace, involving a procedure based on the application of the pyramid effect. The study emphasises that improving electric steel quality—through temperature and composition homogenization, inclusion and gas reduction, and grain size control—relies on both conventional out-of-furnace processing and non-conventional elaboration techniques.

Management elements of Conception and Development of Scientific Research Projects

2025-09-19T09:06:30+00:00

A project is considered successful when the expected outcomes meet the predetermined standards, are sustainable, are achieved within the stipulated time and come under the umbrella of the preliminary budget. The concept of a scientific research project offer must be based on the analysis of the four types of resources: the human resources, the financial resources, the material resources and the informational resources. The aim of this study is to provide a structured framework for the conception and development of scientific research projects.

The feasibility study, although very complex, is of great importance for the success and viability of the project. An algorithm was developed, comprising several items, in a non-fortuitous order: formulation of the theme, resources analysis, feasibility study, offer formulation, project drawing, project implementation, project evaluation, and dissemination. Several definitions of a scientific research project are critically analysed in this study. The key functions of a scientific research include identifying the issue to be addressed, defining the objectives to be achieved, outlining the activities to be undertaken to achieve the objectives, specifying the revenue (or resources) needed for the deployment activities, identifying and specifying the responsibilities of the different organizations involved in implementation of the project, allowing technical and administrative reviews of the project, the basis for monitoring and evaluating the project that can be done either during the project’s implementation, or after the project has been completed. Additionally, specific concepts are formulated regarding sustainability: "a development program is sustainable when it is able to provide an appropriate level of benefits over a longer period of time after the financial, managerial and technical assistance from the external donor ended", or, "for most projects sustainability is a default, and donors and recipients wait and take responsibility that certain aspects of the activity will continue. Failure to make explicit sustainability as part of the project's training and implementation process may lead to a lack of benefit". Finally, the study concludes that scientific management specific to scientific research projects is a very important area. The proper concept and realisation of a project, along with the correct application of the management concepts, ensures the success of the project.

Comparative Study of Moisture Content, Density, and Bending Strength of Azadirachta indica and Senna siamea under Cold and Steam Methods

2025-09-19T09:10:13+00:00

Wood bending is regarded as the most economical, efficient, and resource-conserving way for fabricating strong and long-lasting components among the several techniques for shaping curved parts. Moisture content significantly influences the mechanical properties of wood, while wood density plays a crucial role in bending performance, with higher density often correlating with enhanced bending behaviour. In Ghana, limited studies have investigated the steam and cold bending properties of sapwood and heartwood. The present study investigated the steam and cold bending strength of sapwood and heartwood from two underutilised timber species, Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Senna siamea (Cassia), to evaluate their viability as alternatives to conventional species such as Khaya ivorensis (African Mahogany) in the furniture and joinery industries. A total of eighty specimens, including both sapwood and heartwood samples, were prepared and evaluated. The physical characteristics, including moisture content and basic density, were evaluated according to the EN 13183-1 (2002) and ISO 3131 (1975) standards. The bending characteristics were assessed using the form tool method at both cold and steam temperatures. The mixed ANOVA result revealed significant variability among the species and wood segments. Neem had the highest moisture content of 88.15%, whilst Cassia heartwood displayed the lowest, and sapwood had 47.50%. The density analysis indicated that Cassia heartwood displayed the highest basic density of 898 kg/m³, whereas Neem sapwood registered the lowest of 674.61 kg/m³. The results demonstrated that Cassia heartwood displayed exceptional performance in both cold and steam bending, achieving up to 85% undamaged samples during steam bending, therefore categorising it in Quality Class I. Neem sapwood exhibited greater performance compared to heartwood in steam bending, classifying it in Quality Class II. A direct correlation between wood density and bending strength was noted, as demonstrated by the elevated density and enhanced bending performance of Cassia heartwood in both cold and steam bending methods. This study indicates that Neem and Cassia possess favourable steam bending strength, making them suitable for furniture and joinery applications. It advocates for the use of Cassia and Neem as sustainable alternatives to traditionally harvested species, contributing to forest conservation efforts in Ghana.

Nonlinear Structural Response of RC Building with Setback Irregularity and Subjected to Mainshock-Aftershocks Seismic Events

2025-09-23T10:14:11+00:00

The seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings with setback irregularities under sequential mainshock-aftershock sequences is a critical case but often overlooked in conventional design practices. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the nonlinear seismic response of a G+8 RC building with setback irregularities subjected to earthquake sequences. Three models were developed: the first model is a regular RC frame, the second model has vertical irregularity (setback irregularity) where the floor area reduces by nearly 26% from the 7^th to 9^th story, and the third model has vertical irregularity between the 4^thand 9^thstorey.

The hybrid nonlinear modelling is employed by incorporating plastic hinges for beams and fibre hinges for columns, with hysteretic energy dissipation defined for concrete and steel fibres. The models are analysed by considering three different ground motions (low, medium, and higher intensities) resulting from major earthquakes: Chamoli (1999), Valparaíso (1985), and Coalinga (1983), incorporating both mainshocks and their aftershocks. The nonlinear time history analyses are performed using the latest ETABS software v22.3.0 to capture the dynamic response under these complex ground motion accelerations.

The results reveal that the setback irregular buildings exhibited higher vulnerability, marked by increased storey displacements, amplified inter-storey drifts, and a critical demand-to-capacity (D/C) ratio, with the third model showing the most severe response. Notably, the third model experiences a peak lateral displacement of nearly 275mm and a maximum inter-storey drift ratio of 0.018613, exceeding safety thresholds under several loading conditions, whereas the first model recorded the lowest displacement of about 41 mm and the minimum inter-storey drift of 0.002430, thereby demonstrating the highest efficiency among all models. The formation of plastic hinges signifies a substantial risk of failure/collapse.

The findings underscore the critical need to incorporate the effects of setback irregularities, nonlinear behaviour, and main shock and aftershocks sequences in seismic design protocols, to ensure reliable performance and predictions to enhance structural resilience against catastrophic events. In view of practical application, such considerations can guide safer design and performance-based evaluation of RC buildings.

AI-Enabled Sustainable Project Management in Construction: Predictive Analytics for Schedule and Resource Optimisation

2025-09-23T10:22:57+00:00

This chapter introduces a Sustainable Project Management in Construction framework that operationalises artificial intelligence to (i) anticipate schedule slippages, (ii) optimise labour and material deployment, and (iii) embed sustainability indicators directly into project decision-making. Using records from 33 projects spanning infrastructure, residential, and commercial sectors, we develop and validate a Random Forest Regressor benchmarked against alternative machine-learning models to forecast schedule overruns and resource utilisation. A 10-fold cross-validation protocol, residual diagnostics, and scenario analyses demonstrate robust predictive performance for the delay prediction: R²≈0.87, MSE≈11.8 days; resource utilisation: R²≈0.82 without degrading when sustainability features are included. We describe a practitioner-oriented, Python-based interface that ingests site data, automates preprocessing, and returns interpretable forecasts alongside waste-reduction and recycled-content metrics to support “what-if” analyses. Governance measures anonymisation, role-based access, and compliance with institutional protocols, are integrated to protect stakeholders and sustain data trust. The chapter situates SPMC within current literature and practice, distilling design choices and implementation patterns that readers can adapt to heterogeneous project contexts. Limitations and future directions are discussed, including expanding the dataset’s diversity, coupling with IoT data streams for real-time sensing, and integrating life-cycle assessment to widen coverage of carbon and circularity indicators. Collectively, SPMC provides a replicable pathway for aligning cost-time performance with measurable environmental outcomes in contemporary construction management.

Synergistic Integration of Top-lit Up Draft and Rocket Principles in a Novel Biomass Cook Stove for Enhanced Thermal Efficiency

2025-09-23T10:26:09+00:00

Traditional open fire methods are used by many people in developing countries for cooking and heating, but they are inefficient in burning fuel. In Sierra Leone, the majority of the population, especially those living in rural communities, prepare their food using a three-stone fire stove, which is inefficient in terms of fuel use, leading to more trees being cut down, which increases deforestation. A stove that uses less fuel and takes less time to perform heating and cooking tasks can help solve these issues. Better design methods of cook stoves are needed to help increase thermal efficiency, and to reduce pollutants, health risks and fuel usage. Thus, the essence of this study is to design and produce an improved solid biomass cook stove that can transfer heat more efficiently, thereby using less fuel. Design processes were done with the help of the Automatic Computer-Aided Design (AutoCAD) software, version 24.3. Thermal performance metrics such as temperature, heat flow across the combustion chamber, burning rate, specific fuel combustion, power consumed and thermal efficiency are considered in the design process. Mild steel was used to fabricate the entire stove, which is widely available and cheaper. The parts were joined through Arc welding, while four roller bearings provided movement of the combustion chamber for reloading of fuel. Performance of the stove was tested using the Water Boiling Test. Thermal efficiency results for the rocket, natural draft and forced draft are 39.55%, 48.68% and 52.48% respectively. Burning rates for forced draft operation were 6.76g/s, while those for rocket and natural were 2.97g/s, 4.11g/s respectively. Specific fuel consumptions for the three tests were 0.62 Kg wood/Kg water, 0.72 Kg wood/Kg water and 0.77 Kg wood/Kg water. The time taken to boil water was lowest for the forced draft (6 minutes), which is due to the faster rate of air supplied to the fuel, but it consumed more fuel than the other two methods. These results demonstrate that a well-designed improved cook stove is more efficient than traditional stoves by enhancing the mixing of combustible gases and oxygen, leading to more complete combustion and lower emissions. This stove operates on both rocket and Top-Lit Up Draft combustion principles, making it suitable for various solid biomass fuels and continuous operation.